Loire Valley With Kids

The Loire Valley offers a fantastic family holiday with its stunning castles, picturesque landscapes, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking, and kayaking. Kids will love exploring the history and culture of the region, while parents can relax and enjoy the delicious local food and wine. Loire Valley with kids is an excellent travel option for your France family holidays:

• Stunning castles and historical sites: The Loire Valley is home to numerous stunning castles, such as Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau, which offer a glimpse into France’s rich history and culture.
• Scenic countryside: The Loire Valley is characterized by beautiful countryside, rolling hills, vineyards, and picturesque riverside villages, offering a tranquil and scenic escape for families.
• Outdoor activities: The region offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, including cycling, hiking, kayaking, and hot air balloon rides, making it an ideal destination for active families.
• Delicious local food and wine: The Loire Valley is known for its delicious local cuisine, including cheeses, pastries, and wine, making it a perfect destination for foodie families.
• Family-friendly accommodations: There is a wide range of family-friendly accommodations in the Loire Valley, from cozy cottages and villas to luxury hotels and resorts, ensuring that families of all sizes and budgets can find a suitable place to stay.

Things to Do in Loire Valley With Kids

Here are some of the top things to do in the Loire Valley with kids:

1. Visit the Châteaux: The Loire Valley is famous for its beautiful castles, such as Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau, which offer guided tours and fun activities for kids.
2. Explore the ZooParc de Beauval: This animal park is home to over 10,000 animals from 600 different species, including giant pandas, tigers, and lions, making it a fantastic attraction for families.
3. Go on a hot air balloon ride: Take in the beautiful scenery of the Loire Valley from a different perspective by going on a hot air balloon ride, which offers a unique and memorable experience for kids and adults alike.
4. Rent a bike and cycle along the Loire River: The Loire Valley offers numerous cycling paths, making it a perfect destination for families who enjoy outdoor activities.
5. Visit the Aquarium du Val de Loire: This aquarium is home to over 2,500 fish from 150 different species, and it offers interactive exhibits and activities for kids.
6. Take a canoe or kayak trip on the Loire River: Explore the Loire River and the surrounding landscapes by taking a canoe or kayak trip, which offers a fun and exciting activity for the whole family.
7. Discover the Clos Lucé: This historic castle was the final home of Leonardo da Vinci and is now a museum dedicated to his life and works, offering an educational and entertaining experience for families.
8. Visit the Parc des Mini-Châteaux: This park features over 40 miniature castles and other architectural landmarks, offering a fun and unique experience for kids and adults alike.
9. Sample the local food and wine: The Loire Valley is famous for its delicious cuisine, including cheeses, pastries, and wine, making it a perfect destination for foodie families.

Where to Go in Loire Valley With Kids

Here are some of the top places to go in the Loire Valley with kids:

1. Tours: Tours is the largest city in the Loire Valley, and it offers numerous attractions for families, including the Château de Tours, the Musée des Beaux-Arts, and the Parc des Mini-Châteaux.
2. Amboise: This charming town is home to the Clos Lucé, the final home of Leonardo da Vinci, as well as the Château d’Amboise, which offers guided tours and activities for kids.
3. Blois: Blois is a historic city home to the Château de Blois, a beautiful castle that offers a range of family activities, including a sound and light show.
4. Chenonceaux: The town of Chenonceaux is home to the famous Château de Chenonceau, one of the most beautiful castles in the Loire Valley, which offers guided tours and activities for kids.
5. ZooParc de Beauval: This animal park is located near the town of Saint-Aignan and offers a wide range of animals and attractions for families, including giant pandas, tigers, and lions.
6. Saumur: Saumur is a picturesque town that is home to the Château de Saumur, which offers guided tours and activities for kids, as well as numerous outdoor activities, such as canoeing, kayaking, and cycling.
7. Chinon: Chinon is a historic town that is home to the Château de Chinon, a beautiful castle that offers guided tours and activities for families, as well as a range of restaurants and shops.
8. Langeais: Langeais is a small town that is home to the Château de Langeais, a beautiful castle that offers guided tours and activities for kids, as well as a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking and cycling.

These are just a few of the many great places to visit in the Loire Valley with kids.

Where to Stay in Loire Valley With Kids

Here are some of the best places to stay in the Loire Valley with kids:

1. Château de Pray: This charming château is located near the town of Amboise and offers spacious rooms and suites, as well as a swimming pool and a restaurant that serves delicious local cuisine.
2. Les Hautes Roches: This unique hotel is built into the side of a cliff and offers stunning views of the Loire River. It features spacious rooms, suites, and a restaurant serving gourmet cuisine.
3. Domaine de la Tortinière: This elegant hotel is located near the town of Tours and offers spacious rooms, suites, a swimming pool, and a restaurant serving delicious local cuisine.
4. Château de la Bourdaisière: This beautiful château is located near the town of Tours and offers spacious rooms and suites, as well as a swimming pool and a restaurant that serves delicious local cuisine. It also features a vegetable garden and a butterfly greenhouse, which are great for kids.
5. Château de Chissay: This historic château is located near the town of Amboise and offers spacious rooms and suites, as well as a swimming pool and a restaurant that serves delicious local cuisine. It also features a wine cellar and a truffle farm, which are great for foodie families.
6. Les Suites du Château: This hotel is located in the town of Blois and offers spacious suites that are perfect for families. It also features a restaurant that serves delicious local cuisine and a garden that is great for kids.
7. La Maison d’à Côté: This charming guesthouse is located in the town of Montlivault and offers spacious rooms and suites, as well as a restaurant that serves delicious local cuisine. It also features a garden and a playground that are great for kids.

Where to Eat in Loire Valley With Kids

Here are some of the best places to eat in the Loire Valley with kids:

1. Le Bistrot de la Tranchée: This casual restaurant is located in the city of Tours and serves delicious French cuisine, including steak frites, croque-monsieurs, and crème brûlée. They also have a kid’s menu.
2. L’Epicerie: This restaurant is located in the town of Amboise and serves a range of French and international cuisine, including pizza, pasta, and salads. They also have a kid’s menu and a play area for children.
3. La Crêperie: This cozy restaurant is located in the town of Chinon and serves a range of savory and sweet crepes, as well as salads and sandwiches. They also have a kid’s menu.
4. Au Rendez-vous des Pêcheurs: This seafood restaurant is located in the town of Tours and serves a range of fresh seafood, including oysters, mussels, and prawns. They also have a kid’s menu.
5. Les Années Trente: This restaurant is located in the town of Blois and serves a range of French cuisine, including steak, duck confit, and ratatouille. They also have a kid’s menu.
6. La Scala: This Italian restaurant is located in the town of Saumur and serves a range of pasta dishes, pizzas, and salads. They also have a kid’s menu and a play area for children.
7. La Table du Roy: This restaurant is located in the town of Montlivault and serves a range of French cuisine, including roast beef, salmon, and foie gras. They also have a kid’s menu and a garden where children can play.

What to Wear in Loire Valley

What to wear in the Loire Valley depends on the season and the activities you plan on doing. Here are some general tips:

1. Spring (March to May): The weather in the Loire Valley during spring can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from cool to mild. It is best to pack layers such as sweaters, jackets, and scarves for the cooler days and lighter clothing like t-shirts and shorts for the warmer days. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the gardens and chateaux.
2. Summer (June to August): Summers in the Loire Valley can be hot and humid, so pack lightweight clothing like shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses. Don’t forget to bring a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for protection from the sun. Comfortable walking shoes are still important for exploring the gardens and chateaux.
3. Fall (September to November): The weather in the fall is cooler and milder, with temperatures ranging from mild to cool. Pack layers such as sweaters, jackets, and scarves for the cooler days and lighter clothing like t-shirts and shorts for the warmer days. Comfortable walking shoes are still a must.
4. Winter (December to February): Winters in the Loire Valley can be cold and rainy, so pack warm clothing such as sweaters, jackets, and coats. Don’t forget to bring a raincoat or umbrella as well. Warm, waterproof boots are a must for exploring the gardens and chateaux.

Overall, it’s important to wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are appropriate for the weather and the activities you plan on doing.

When to Go to Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is a popular destination year-round, but the best time to go depends on your interests and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect during each season:

1. Spring (March to May): This is a great time to visit if you want to see the gardens in bloom and avoid the summer crowds. The weather is mild and pleasant, and there are many festivals and events, including the popular Loire Valley Wine Fair in April.
2. Summer (June to August): This is the busiest and most popular time to visit the Loire Valley, with warm weather and long days. The chateaux are open later, and there are many outdoor events and activities, such as the Fêtes de la Musique music festival in June.
3. Fall (September to November): This is a great time to visit if you want to experience the autumn colors and wine harvest. The crowds are thinner, the weather is mild, and there are many festivals and events, including the Vendanges de Montmartre grape harvest festival in Paris.
4. Winter (December to February): This is the quietest time to visit the Loire Valley, with fewer tourists and lower prices. Some of the chateaux may be closed, but there are still many indoor activities and events, such as Christmas markets and concerts.

In general, the best time to visit the Loire Valley is from late spring to early fall (May to September) when the weather is mild, and the gardens and chateaux are open. However, if you want to avoid crowds and enjoy lower prices, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (March to May and September to November).

How Long to Stay in Loire Valley

The length of your stay in the Loire Valley depends on your interests and how much time you have available. Here are some general guidelines:

1. Day trip: If you’re short on time, you can visit the Loire Valley on a day trip from Paris or another nearby city. This will give you enough time to see one or two chateaux and explore the surrounding area.
2. Weekend trip: A weekend trip to the Loire Valley is ideal if you want to see a few chateaux and enjoy the local food and wine. You can easily spend two or three days exploring the area, visiting the chateaux, and taking part in outdoor activities like cycling or kayaking.
3. Four to five days: With four to five days in the Loire Valley, you can visit several chateaux and explore the towns and villages in the region. This will give you enough time to experience the local culture and cuisine and take part in outdoor activities like hiking or hot air ballooning.
4. One week or more: If you have a week or more to spend in the Loire Valley, you can really take your time and explore the region in depth. You can visit numerous chateaux, take part in cooking classes or wine tastings, and really immerse yourself in the local culture. This is also a great option if you want to combine your trip with a visit to other nearby destinations, such as Paris or Bordeaux.

Overall, the amount of time you spend in the Loire Valley depends on your interests and how much you want to see and do. However, it’s recommended to stay for at least two to three days to fully experience the region.

3-Day Loire Valley Itinerary With Family

Here is a suggested 3-day itinerary for the Loire Valley with a family:

Day 1:

• Morning: Visit the Chateau de Chenonceau, known for its beautiful gardens and unique architecture.
• Afternoon: Take a bike tour along the Loire River or rent a canoe and paddle down the river.

Day 2:

• Morning: Visit the Chateau de Chambord, the largest chateau in the Loire Valley known for its impressive double helix staircase and beautiful grounds.
• Afternoon: Take a break from the chateaux and visit the Parc des Mini-Chateaux, a miniature park with scaled-down replicas of famous chateaux in the region.

Day 3:

• Morning: Visit the Chateau de Villandry, famous for its beautiful gardens and stunning views.
• Afternoon: Take a cooking class and learn how to make some traditional French dishes, or visit a local vineyard and taste some of the famous Loire Valley wines.

Optional Day 4:

• If you have an extra day, consider visiting the Chateau d’Amboise or the Chateau de Blois, both of which are rich in history and offer beautiful views of the Loire Valley.

This itinerary is just a suggestion and can be customized based on your interests and preferences. Additionally, there are many other chateaux, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences to enjoy in the Loire Valley, so be sure to explore and discover the region at your own pace.

1-Week Loire Valley Itinerary With Family

Here is a suggested 1-week itinerary for the Loire Valley with a family:

Day 1:

• Morning: Arrive in the Loire Valley and check in to your accommodation.
• Afternoon: Visit the Chateau de Chenonceau, known for its beautiful gardens and unique architecture.

Day 2:

• Morning: Visit the Chateau de Chambord, the largest chateau in the Loire Valley known for its impressive double helix staircase and beautiful grounds.
• Afternoon: Take a bike tour along the Loire River or rent a canoe and paddle down the river.

Day 3:

• Morning: Visit the Chateau de Villandry, famous for its beautiful gardens and stunning views.
• Afternoon: Take a cooking class and learn how to make some traditional French dishes, or visit a local vineyard and taste some of the famous Loire Valley wines.

Day 4:

• Morning: Visit the Chateau de Cheverny, known for its stunning architecture and beautiful grounds.
• Afternoon: Take a break from the chateaux and visit the ZooParc de Beauval, one of the most famous zoos in France.

Day 5:

• Morning: Visit the Chateau de Blois, a historic chateau with beautiful views of the Loire Valley.
• Afternoon: Explore the town of Amboise, known for its charming streets and historic landmarks.

Day 6:

• Morning: Visit the Chateau de Azay-le-Rideau, a stunning Renaissance chateau located on an island in the Indre River.
• Afternoon: Take a hot air balloon ride and enjoy the views of the Loire Valley from above.

Day 7:

• Morning: Visit the Chateau de Saumur, a historic chateau that now houses a museum.
• Afternoon: Take a bike ride along the Loire River and enjoy the scenery.

How to Get Around Loire Valley

Here are some ways to get around the Loire Valley:

1. Car: Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore the Loire Valley, especially if you want to visit several chateaux and towns in the region. There are several car rental agencies at major train stations and airports in the area.
2. Train: Trains are a convenient way to get to the Loire Valley from Paris or other major cities in France. Once you arrive, you can take a taxi or rent a car to get around the region.
3. Bike: Biking is a popular way to explore the Loire Valley, especially in summer. There are several bike rental companies in the region and many bike paths that connect the chateaux and towns.
4. Bus: Several bus companies operate in the Loire Valley, offering transportation between major towns and chateaux.
5. Private tours: If you prefer to have a guide and driver, you can book a private tour of the Loire Valley. This is a good option if you want a more personalized experience or have limited mobility.

Overall, the best way to get around the Loire Valley depends on your preferences and itinerary. If you plan to visit several chateaux and towns, renting a car is likely the most convenient option. However, if you prefer a more active and eco-friendly approach, biking or taking public transportation is a good alternative.

How Much to Travel to Loire Valley

The cost of travel to the Loire Valley can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Time of year: The peak travel season in the Loire Valley is from June to September, so prices for accommodations and activities may be higher during this time.
• Mode of transportation: The cost of travel will depend on how you choose to get around the region. Renting a car may be more expensive than public transportation, but it offers more flexibility and convenience.
• Accommodations: The cost of accommodations will depend on the type of lodging you choose, ranging from budget-friendly options like hostels and camping to luxurious hotels and chateaux.
• Activities: There are many free and low-cost activities to enjoy in the Loire Valley, such as hiking and biking, but visiting chateaux and museums may come with admission fees.

As a rough estimate, a budget of around €100-150 per day per person (excluding airfare) should be sufficient to cover accommodations, transportation, food, and activities in the Loire Valley. However, this can vary widely depending on your travel style and preferences. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices for accommodations, activities, and transportation in advance to get the best deals and plan your budget accordingly.